It’s been ten years since Wizkid’s iconic song “Ojuelegba” first made waves, and it continues to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. Released in 2014 as part of his second album Ayo, the song recounts Wizkid’s early struggles as an up-and-coming artist, grinding in the streets of Ojuelegba, Lagos, to fund his musical ambitions.
In this emotional track, Wizkid shares how the people of Ojuelegba knew about his journey of relentless effort and determination, as he sings:
“In Ojuelegba They know my story, from Mo’Dogg’s studio I hustled to work, eh”
The song, named after the vibrant area in Lagos Mainland, quickly became a classic. Upon its release, it received widespread airplay across Nigerian radio stations and topped Capital Xtra’s Afrobeats Chart in February 2015. It won Song of the Year and was nominated for Best Pop Single at The Headies 2015, while also securing Hottest Single of the Year at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
A year after its release, the song gained even greater international recognition with a remix featuring Canadian rapper Drake and British-Nigerian artist Skepta. The remix debuted on OVO Sound Radio in July 2015 and was listed as the 12th best song on The Fader’s 107 Best Songs of 2015.
Clarence Peters directed the music video, which vividly captures daily life in Ojuelegba. With scenes showing a bus conductor calling passengers and Wizkid boarding the bus, the video encapsulates the essence of the community while showcasing Wizkid’s rise from humble beginnings to international fame.
As “Ojuelegba” reaches its 10th anniversary, its influence remains profound, marking it as a pivotal song in both Nigerian culture and the rise of Afrobeats on the global stage. Spotify Africa is commemorating this milestone, giving fans a chance to relive the song’s remarkable journey.
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